Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reclaimed Wood Structure With Seamless Glass Facade Nestled In Mountain Landscape

Author:
Shivang Jani
Reclaimed Wood Structure With Seamless Glass Facade Nestled In Mountain Landscape

Project in-detail

With a louvered facade made from reclaimed wood and large seamless glass panels offering panoramic views, the design creates a seamless interplay between indoor and outdoor living in a compact mountain retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed wood louvered facade enhances solar shading while adding texture.
02
Seamless glass panels provide unobstructed views and natural light throughout.
03
A gravity-fed water cistern system ensures independent water access.
04
The design incorporates a multifunctional outdoor fireplace that supports wind turbines.
05
Murphy bed optimizes living space in the compact interior layout.

## Micro Cabin in North Carolina

### Overview

Situated in the mountainous region of North Carolina, the Micro Cabin exemplifies a modern approach to high-performance design and sustainable living. The intent is to create a compact yet efficient dwelling that aligns with the natural landscape while fostering a strong connection between occupants and their surroundings. The design incorporates both indoor and outdoor living areas, facilitating interaction with nature.

### Exterior Form and Materiality

The cabin's exterior features a contemporary aesthetic achieved through the use of natural materials. Key components include reclaimed wood, which provides structural integrity and aesthetic warmth; seamless glass that maximizes natural light and offers unobstructed views; concrete used for a robust foundation that encourages effective water drainage; and steel that supports the cabin's structural framework.

This deliberate selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability by minimizing waste and highlighting low-embodied carbon options. The inclusion of technologies such as wind turbines further enhances the cabin's eco-friendly profile, demonstrating an integrated approach to energy efficiency.

### Spatial Layout and Unique Features

The spatial strategy of the cabin emphasizes multi-functionality and efficient use of limited space. The living area, featuring an indoor/outdoor fireplace, serves as a central gathering point while promoting an engaging ecosystem through surrounding planters. The inclusion of a Murphy bed optimizes the space for various uses, and the innovative bathroom design incorporates a toilet with a built-in sink for enhanced water efficiency.

Distinctive features augment the cabin's practicality, such as an outdoor fireplace that supports renewable energy generation and a helicopter pad designed for versatile use. Additionally, a gravity-fed water cistern supports self-sufficiency in water management. The louvered façade not only provides shading but also creates dynamic light play on the cabin's surfaces, enhancing its architectural interest.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy